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Chicago Bears: Former Viking Devin Aromashodu eyeing second chance

By Fred MitchellChicago Tribune

Posted:
08/06/2013 12:01:00 AM CDT

Updated:
08/06/2013 07:47:14 AM CDT

Detroit's Chris Houston (23) gives chase as then-Vikings receiver Devin Aromashodu carries the ball during the third quarter of their game on November 11, 2012 at the Metrodome. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Devin Aromashodu is hungry for a second helping with the Bears.

One of Jay Cutler's favorite targets in 2009, Aromashodu is trying to impress a new set of eyes on the Bears coaching staff.

"I feel like I can help them out on special teams and at receiver... just add more depth. Anything they need me to do," he said after Monday's practice at Olivet Nazarene University. "(Cutler) is a good quarterback; I played with him before, so I know what he is capable of."

The 6-foot-2, 201-pound Aromashodu caught 24 passes and scored four touchdowns in 2009, but he fell out of favor with Bears coaches in 2010. He caught a career-high 26 passes for the Vikings in 2011 but fell off last season (11 catches for 182 yards) and wound up re-signing with the Bears as an unrestricted free agent June 10.

"I had some good times -- ups and downs -- but it was a great experience. I enjoyed my time in Minnesota," said Aromashodu, a six-year veteran out of Auburn.

After failing to take advantage of previous opportunities to become a frontline receiver, Aromashodu is hoping to stick on a roster and augment a position with established pass catchers such as Brandon Marshall and Earl Bennett, along with 2012 second-round draft pick Alshon Jeffery.

"He is going to get a bunch of work," coach Marc Trestman said of the 29-year-old Aromashodu. "There is certainly competition going on with Earl (Bennett) sitting out today and getting another day's rest and evaluation (for concussion symptoms).

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It gives D.A. a chance to get some more work.

"He is not only going to give us value there in this competition, but also on special teams."

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis is eager to evaluate the versatility of Aromashodu in Friday night's first exhibition game at Carolina. When final roster cuts are determined, special teams skills could make the difference.

"He has (played on special teams) in the past," DeCamillis said. "He didn't do it as much in Minnesota last year, so he will be a guy we are definitely evaluating.